Ferrofluid Activity

Ferrofluids have the fluid properties of a liquid and the magnetic properties of a solid. The ferrofluids actually contain tiny particles (~10 nm diameter) of a magnetic solid suspended in a liquid medium. In this activity, participants can play with ferrofluid to examine its liquid and magnetic properties. Current and potential future applications of ferrofluids are discussed.

Full Instructions

Materials

  • Ferrofluid demonstration cells
  • Fish tank with layer of ferrofluid
  • Cow magnets or other strong magnets